Classic mode is a new feature for those people who prefer a more traditional desktop experience. Built entirely from GNOME 3 technologies, it adds a number of features such as an application menu, a places menu and a window switcher along the bottom of the screen. Each of these features can be used individually or in combination with other GNOME extensions.

The GNOME Foundation sees the inclusion of a Classic mode after two years of Shell-only, as being a matter of choice for users.

"GNOME 3 is elegant by default and extremely configurable by design," said Karen Sandler, Executive Director of the GNOME Foundation in a statement. "The release of GNOME Classic is evidence of the ability to customize GNOME through extensions and demonstrates how our developers have listened and responded to feedback from the community."

As so many users think that Gnome shell is a heap of s**t and are migrating away in their droves, we've finally caved in and added a Gnome2 style interface - which is probably what we should have done in the first place instead of trying to 'make' people use something they didn't actually want by removing any choice.

It turns out your average desktop user wants a desktop interface after all .. apparently a desktop isn't actually a tablet and desktop users aren't tablet users ... shocker eh ?! Actually removing the old interface as there was (clearly) no justification for it is the bit that really rubs ...

I've nothing against Gnome Shell .. but there was no justification for removing the old style desktop if it's still supposed to be aimed at desktops .. what was wrong with giving a choice in the first place.